Concept

A concept is a generalization of a set of objects. It overlaps with terms such as idea, entity, notion, group, etc. For example, animal is a concept derived from objects such as specific cats, birds, etc.

Concepts in the brain can also express property, attribute, quality, etc. i.e. the abstraction of object characteristics (e.g. the concept of yellowness).

In the brain, a concept can be represented by a concept cell (in the ideal case), or by an activation pattern in the concept network (e.g. at earlier stages of learning and generalization).

Activation of concept cells in the brain may bring associated ideas to mind. Series of activations provides the mechanism for mental computation (reasoning). See: How to solve any problem?

For the role of concepts in the brain, see: Concept network.

This glossary entry is used to explain texts in SuperMemo Guru series on memory, learning, creativity, and problem solving

Abstract knowledge terminology

• generalization: a process in which detail is ignored to reveal a deeper structure. The term overlaps with abstraction, conceptualization, inductive reasoning, modeling, theorization, categorization, conclusion, unification, colligation, de-concretization, pattern extraction, pattern separation, and more. Example: Trump is a winner is a gross generalization that ignores Donald Trump's failures
• concept: a generalization of a set of objects/nouns. It overlaps with idea, entity, notion, group, etc. For example, animal is a concept derived from objects such as specific cats, birds, etc. Perhaps this should also include: property, attribute, quality, etc. i.e. the abstraction of object characteristics (e.g. the concept of yellowness)
• rule: a generalization of an observed regularity. It overlaps with formula, theorem, principle, proposition, law, statement, and more. Example: "no pleasure, no good learning" is a fundamental law of learning. It is an example of a general rule that determines learning strategies
• model: set of rules that apply to a specific phenomenon. It overlaps with theory, metaphor, opinion, schema, view, (concept) map, (formal) system, and more. Example: jigsaw puzzle metaphor of learning is a model of how knowledge coherence emerges in the process of learning
• abstractness: universality of a concept or a rule, e.g. 2 apples and 2 apples add up to 4 apples is less abstract (i.e. more concrete or more specific) than 2+2=4
• applicability: usefulness of a rule or model. It overlaps with usability. Example: 2+2=4 is useful in counting apples, but not-too-helpful in memorizing song lyrics
• abstract knowledge: well-generalized, highly applicable knowledge that is conceptual/abstract in nature. It overlaps with: "big picture", set of rules/formulas, abstract set, theory, etc. Example: mathematics is the queen of abstract knowledge
• abstract thinking: conceptual computation on rich and complex abstract knowledge